Current research into semiconductor clusters is focused on the properties of quantum dots-fragments of semiconductor consisting of hundreds to many thousands of atoms-with the bulk bonding geometry and with surface states eliminated by enclosure in a material that has a larger band gap. Quantum dots exhibit strongly size-dependent optical and electrical properties. The ability to join the dots into complex assemblies creates many opportunities for scientific discovery.

Semiconductor Clusters, Nanocrystals, and Quantum Dots

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) offer the possibilities to design solar cells with a large flexibility in shape, color, and transparency. DSC research groups have been established around the worl ...

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Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Novel physical phenomena can emerge in low-dimensional nanomaterials. Bulk MoS2, a prototypical metal dichalcogenide, is an indirect bandgap semiconductor with negligible photoluminescence. When the MoS2 crystal is thinned to monolayer, however, a strong photoluminescence emerges, indicating an indirect to direct bandgap transition in this d-electron system. This observation shows that quantum confinement in layered d-electron materials like MoS2 provides new opportunities for engineering the electronic structure of matter at the nanoscale.

Emerging Photoluminescence in Monolayer MoS2

Bulk nanostructured materials from severe plastic deformation

Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary field, which covers a vast and diverse array of devices derived from engineering, biology, physics and chemistry. These devices include nanovectors for the targeted delivery of anticancer drugs and imaging contrast agents. Nanowires and nanocantilever arrays are among the leading approaches under development for the early detection of precancerous and malignant lesions from biological fluids. These and other nanodevices can provide essential breakthroughs in the fight against cancer.

Cancer nanotechnology: opportunities and challenges.

The authors report an all solid state, VLSI compatible, electroluminescent device based on porous silicon with an external quantum efficiency greater than 0.1% under CW operation. The emission, which is broadband and peaks at 600 nm, is detected above a low threshold current density and voltage of 0.01 Am-2 and 2.3 V, respectively.

Electroluminescent porous silicon device with an external quantum efficiency greater than 0.1% under CW operation

Silicon lasers would help computers operate faster by replacing electrical connections with optical ones. The trouble is, normal silicon doesn't glow. Densely packed silicon nanocrystals could be the answer.

Gaining light from silicon

Visible electroluminescence (EL) has been obtained from porous silicon cathodically biased in an aqueous electrolyte containing either the persulphate or the peroxide ion. EL efficiencies of up to 0.1% have been obtained from porous silicon formed on both n‐type and p‐type substrates for the application of only a few volts bias. In subdued lighting, the EL is easily visible to the naked eye at excitation densities of 0.1 W cm−2. EL is obtained only from porous silicon capable of giving photoluminescence (PL); the EL and PL spectra are broadly similar in width and peak wavelength. The EL spectra are reversibly shifted to shorter wavelengths as the magnitude of the bias is increased. In contrast with the previously reported EL under anodic conditions, this cathodic EL process does not irreversibly oxidize the porous silicon skeleton.

Efficient visible electroluminescence from highly porous silicon under cathodic bias

Spectroscopic identification of the luminescence mechanism of highly porous silicon

This work describes the formation of porous composite materials based on a combination of bioactive mesoporous silicon and bioerodible polymers such as poly-caprolactone (PCL). The fabrication of a range of composites prepared by both salt leaching and microemulsion techniques are discussed. Particular attention to the influence of Si content in the composite on in vitro calcification assays are assessed. For each system, cytotoxicity and cellular proliferation are explicitly evaluated through fibroblast cell culture assays.

Leigh T. Canham

Papers

Electroluminescent porous silicon device with an external quantum efficiency greater than 0.1% under CW operation

Gaining light from silicon

Efficient visible electroluminescence from highly porous silicon under cathodic bias

Spectroscopic identification of the luminescence mechanism of highly porous silicon

Porous silicon-based scaffolds for tissue engineering and other biomedical applications